In conjunction with the year-long centennial celebration of the founding of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the single largest predominantly African-American women’s organization in the country, members of the organization will retrace the footsteps of their founders who participated in the Women’s Suffrage March of 1913. On March 3, 2013 on west front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., thousands of the Sorority’s members accompanied by other invited organizations are expected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the role the 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority played in the Women’s Suffrage March.
Guided by the event’s theme, “Tracing the Footsteps of our Founders,” members of the Sorority will gather at the Capitol, follow the symbolic route down Pennsylvania Avenue, and assemble on the grounds of the Washington Monument for closing remarks. Other organizations have been invited to take part in the historic 3.1-mile march down Pennsylvania Avenue, which begins at 9 a.m.
“Our Founders’ participation in women’s suffrage was the first official act of social advocacy in the rich history of our organization,” said Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre , National President of Delta Sigma Theta. “It is only befitting that, during the 100th anniversary of the birth of Delta Sigma Theta, we honor them by literally tracing their steps which set a precedent for every Delta to emulate.”
Delta Sigma Theta’s observance salutes the centennial anniversary of the Suffrage March and celebrates the daring participation of the 22 Founders of the Sorority – the only African-American women’s organization in attendance. They joined thousands of fearless female leaders, women’s groups, and individuals in marching and advocating for women’s right to vote.
“The participation of Delta Sigma Theta’s Founders in the Suffrage March displayed their collective strength,” said Butler-McIntyre. “Their courage, while standing together with other women to demand changes in governing laws that denied women one of this country’s most basic privileges and rights, is the example of social advocacy that has sustained Delta Sigma Theta for 100 years.”
Organizations interested in joining Delta Sigma Theta for this historic march can visit http://www.deltasigmatheta.org to register their groups and register for bus parking permits. For general inquiries or requests for additional information, send emails to: DSTsuffragemarch@deltasigmatheta.org.
